Fitness Platoon – Nov 3, 2008
Fitness Platoon – Nov 5, 2008

American Potential

The greatest words ever written in human history:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

-- Thomas Jefferson

The Declaration of Independence is the pivot point in human history by which the world began the march to freedom and equality. American history can be best understood through the perfect storm that led up to the Declaration of Independence and by our struggle to live up to those words ever since. Where we have strayed, it has caused conflict. Where we have lived up to these words, we have prospered. When we have not lived up to the words in the Declaration, we have been reminded of our responsibility to them by great Americans. Abraham Lincoln invoked the words of the Declaration of Independence in the Gettysburg Address on the path to end slavery. Likewise, Martin Luther King reminded us of these enduring values during his "I Have a Dream" speech when attacking discrimination.

We still are not a perfect union, but yesterday’s election was proof that we are getting closer. Barrack Obama proved that in America racism is a barrier that can be overcome. In so doing, he reminded us how far we have come as a people. And when I say “people” I mean Americans -- all of us of every race, creed, or religion.

The strength of our nation rests in the recognition of human equality. By recognizing human equality we recognize the potential of all of our citizens. Recognizing human potential, however, and tapping into it are two different things. This election holds the promise of tapping into American potential in a way previously unseen in American history. President Elect Obama has proven there are no heights barred to an American based on race.

I think this will have a profound effect on improving dropout rates, as well as success in both the private and public sectors of our country as more Americans become engaged with the country’s challenges. Personally, I believe that many of the obstacles that have barred minorities from opportunities have been conquerable for some time. Although I am white, I’m in an interracial marriage. When I talk to my two girls, I have always sincerely communicated to them that they can accomplish anything they wish if they are willing to work hard enough for it. In America, anyone willing to work hard can do great things. The difference between yesterday and today is now everyone in the country believes this as well.

By: Gannon Beck | 11/05/08 | Character Discipline | Trackback | Comments [RSS 2.0]

4 Responses to “American Potential” »»

  1. Cam Beck
    Comment by Cam Beck | 11/05/08 at 11:01 am

    As an unapologetic capitalist, even trying to look at this as a race issue, I still cannot believe that electing a thinly-veiled socialist to office is a sign that America is becoming a more perfect union.

    Rather, the opposite is true.

    And sadly, racism is not dead or even napping, for Barack Obama was accepted by the media and much of the public because he had views that conformed with their perceptions about what a black person should think (confirmed by 94%+ of the black vote).

    Had a conservative with otherwise his exact credentials run, he'd be labeled an "Uncle Tom" and ridiculed by the media and by the left (but I repeat myself). This is how black conservatives are treated by the left now. Furthermore, his relationships with radicals (Ayers) and the favors he granted the corrupt (Rezko) would have been scrutinized so heavily that he would have been forced to drop his own bid.

    The silver lining you mention here is not lost on me entirely. Obama certainly showed dedication in getting to where he is, and partially - partially -- as a result of that, he is now president-elect.

    We should just be careful about the conclusions we draw from it.

    Unapologetic capitalists have a lot of work to do if we're going to fight the policies of socialists.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJyS1WJNisM

  2. Polar Bear
    Comment by Polar Bear | 11/05/08 at 11:37 am

    This latest experiment, as evidenced by the election of a person of color, can and will only be successful if we, as Americans, allow it to be. We begin that process of achieving success by first declaring that we are no longer Irish-Americans, or Italian-Americans, or Chinese-Americans, or Mexican-Americans, or African-Americans. In order for our great American experiment to work in this land is for each of us to stand together, side-by-side, as Americans, regardless of religion, creed, or ethnicity. All Americans who want to join in that notion will surely make this country great. Those who would choose to continue being merely an Irish-American, an Italian-American, a Chinese-American, a Mexican-American, or an African-American, will always represent a terrible division in this country. This is one wound that we all need to work together to heal. As for me, I choose to be an American, despite my Scots-Irish-German heritage. How about you?

  3. gannonbeck
    Comment by gannonbeck | 11/05/08 at 11:38 am

    My point of the post was non-political. I try my best to keep my actual politics to myself on this blog, but I do think this is historically significant and will have positive repercussions. Whether you agree with Brarack Obama's politics or not, this election does mark a turning point. This would be true even if it had been someone like Alan Keyes running or Colin Powell. The policies would be different, but I believe the above post would still be true. I just wanted to acknowledge it.

  4. Cam Beck
    Comment by Cam Beck | 11/05/08 at 1:05 pm

    There may be a positive effect, but I think on the balance it will be negative and far-reaching. For if MLK's words mean anything, then the world must be one where people are judged by their character, not their skin. What Obama does will be wholly dependent on his character, and his character is predominantly socialist (not unlike aspects of MLK's, by the way).

    The fact that we're having this discussion and skin color is, in fact, an issue to 1 in 5 voters (most of whom voted for BHO) is a counterpoint to King's oft-quoted creed.

    The positive effect which you pointed out here, that kids will believe that there are no bounds to their potential in the U.S., may be true, and this is something which we can watch with joy.

    But my fear is that they will draw a lesson not only about the end (that they can be president) but also the means (that they must be socialists and/or Democrats to do it).

    This conclusion is reinforced in the media and pop culture, partially due the influence of a liberal press and Hollywood.

    A person like Alan Keyes couldn't be elected in a culture such as this, because the people who grant or deny access to the doors of discovery believe he doesn't "act black" (which is about just as racist as anything that ever came out of David Duke's mouth). The media wouldn't even invite him to most of the Republican debates, even though he was on the ballot in enough states to warrant it.

    It's all very disappointing. But as you know, I was never a McCainophile, either, so I lose either way.

Leave a Reply »»

Gannon Beck is proudly powered by WordPress. Design based on equiX.